Sydney Opportunities Have Never Been So Strong

Release Date: 13/11/2015

The Sydney Business Chamber has described the announcement of the sale of the Australian Technology Park (ATP) as fulfilling the vision that was first articulated by the NSW Government when ATP was established as a centre for scientific research and technology.

The Executive Director of the Sydney Business Chamber, Patricia Forsythe said, “ATP will become a key jobs hub and it is unfortunate that it has come at the expense of opportunities to grow jobs in Western Sydney.

“The lessons are clear in the decision of the Commonwealth Bank to consolidate its staff at ATP and that is without strong transport links, attracting and holding staff is difficult.

“ATP offers many advantages including its closeness to the University of Sydney and Redfern Rail Station.

“It will also be a magnet for other companies and is set to be a key hub with new office space and spaces for start-up companies.

“With UrbanGrowth NSW having identified the corridor from Central to Eveleigh as having the potential for major investment, the success of ATP looks assured.

“The reality is that managing Sydney’s growth is going to require major sites for new jobs and industries across the city but what is clear is that sites with existing strong transport networks have an early advantage.

“It is vital that the NSW Government and its proposed Greater Sydney Commission give a priority to developing a strategy for Western Sydney that promotes the capacity of the region as a centre for scientific research and other knowledge jobs.

“Transport solutions must be central to the strategy as it is clear from the decision of the Commonwealth Bank that a key factor in their decision to relocate is the current lack of an efficient public transport network to Sydney Olympic Park,” said Mrs Forsythe.